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Free for Haul Friday, Volume #361

Share any beauty goodies you may have picked up in the last week or so, or maybe what’s on your way or on your wish list for next week or month. 🙂

  • Haul: I grabbed two of the Smashbox 24HR Eyeshadow Primers when they were 50% off at Ulta! Master Palette by Mario (after three attempts at three retailers), a couple of Laura Mercier sets.
  • Weekend plans: Hopefully put some makeup away, along with the usual like writing reviews, brunch with my husband, grocery shopping, maybe watch a bit of football with my husband as a break!
  • What’s the best thing about getting older?: It is, without a doubt, being more and more comfortable in my own skin.

Share your pet photos to the Temptalia Pets flickr group! 🙂

This week’s Mellan photo…

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Julia Avatar

Haul: In the lastest installment of “Julia has no self-control,” I had to get Modern Mercury when I saw that it was available through Net-A-Porter. It’s so pretty!
Weekend plans: shopping for bathroom cabinet hardware and relaxing
What’s the best thing about getting older?: loving myself more and caring less what other people think.

The Makeup Train Avatar

Haul: Tarte Tarteist Lip Paint in Brownie, Lorac Pro Palette (got this gently used from a makeup group), Clinique lipstick in Cider Berry. I went to Target (it’s a dangerous place!) to get just two things. I wound up spending $45. Yikes! I got bath bombs in Lavender and Pomegranate, a cute pie plate, a trinket tray that says “Chase Your Dreams” on it, a Chesapeake Bay Jasmine Bouquet candle, a glass candle plate, and a couple of other things.

Weekend plans: Mostly to relax. I have a three day weekend and I’m so glad. I want to have a nice hot bath this weekend using my new bath bombs I got from Target.

What’s the best thing about getting older?: As I get older, I learn more and more from my blunders. In general people do learn from their mistakes but what I mean is, my mistakes have made me wiser as I age. In a way they have helped me become a better person. That was not something I could see when I was younger. I am learning to care less about silly things and sort out my priorities. One thing I have learned from the older women in my family is that total self-sacrifice and ignoring one’s own needs is not necessary and takes a toll on a person (especially women). As I get older I keep this in mind and I try not to feel too bad about going shopping or taking care of myself.

To go back to my Haul response, can anyone recommend nice candles? I like ocean, tropical and floral scents mostly. Price is not an issue.

Claire L Avatar

My favourite candles are NEOM organic candles, just beautiful. I’d recommend any of the scents from that brand. They do lean towards warm scents which I prefer. You might prefer the floral scents from Diptyque which is expensive but supposed to be very good. Yankee Candles are at a more accessible price point, they do a very convincing sea scent candle called Sea Harbor as well as any other scent you can think of!

Ginny Avatar

Scentsational candles (you can find them on Amazon or at Homegoods) have really nice, sophisticated if you will, scents. Lots of florals and “fresh” scents, I especially love Green Tea and White Tea. The only thing about them is they’re soy so they don’t melt quickly… so if you want that even melt where there’s no “crater” around the wick you have to burn them for 3+ hours. The good thing about Yankee (the pillars, NOT the jars) and Bath&Body is the candles melt nice and even.

Tocca candles smell lovely if you like perfurmey florals. And I’ve always thought the candles at Anthropologie smelled amazing – they have a lot of tropical type scents. I’ve never actually tried either of these though.

Joyce Avatar

Giveaway idea: spend a day with Sir Magellan???

Haul: Wet n Wild Plaid to the Bone eyeshadow trio, WnW large eyeshadow brush, WnW Rose Champagne blush, WnW Caramel Toffee contouring palette
Weekend plans: Hunker down for the hurricane! I’m more inland SC so it shouldn’t be too bad. My sister’s poor friends are having their weddings this weekend in this torrential downpour!
What’s the best thing about getting older?: oh wow definitely realizing how little I actually know in life. I looove the wisdom of others and spending time with elderly people. I’m an old soul as is ;P

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Haul:
Beautylish: Jeffree Star Lip Ammunition (Baby Spice, Beauty Pageant, Unicorn Blood, Starfish, Jeffree’s Girl, Ex Super Model)

Joyus: Luma Classic

Lime Crime: Superfoils (Lucid/Dream, Miami/Gator, Squad/Goals) – sorry Christine, i didn’t know.

Saks (10% off): Laura Mercier Iconic Leading Lady (Catherine)

Sephora: Formula X The Effects (Borealis, Whirlpool, Spectrum, Beacon, Euphoria – Thanks Julia!), Tweezerman Birds of a Feather Mini Slant Tweezers, Fresh Sugar Advanced Lip Treatment, Sol de Janeiro Samba 2-Step Foot Fetish Care, Ciate London Chloe Morello Beauty Haul Makeup Set, Juliette Has a Gun deluxe sample (x4). I found that I really love the Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume. So I’ve been collecting the deluxe samples of it for the past 2 weeks on every order. I now have enough to actually make up a full size bottle which retails at about $100!

Target: October Beauty Box. I typically order these every month. For $7 including shipping they’re a great deal. I’m curious to try the Laneige BB cushion and the Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer in this month’s box (there’s also a ChapStick tinted lip balm, Eden BodyWorks Shampoo and Conditioner, Wet n Wild ProLine Graphic Marker Eyeliner, and Derma E Hydrating Day Crème).

Ulta (Entire Order Cost $2.11 with my rewards!): Anastasia Beverly Hills Mario Palette, Shea Moisture Hand Scrub (2, sale). I’ve decided I’m going to return the Mario palette (did I hear gasps?) The Ciate palette is better for me with respect to shades and the quality of Ciate is always excellent. It’s also a much better deal price-wise. This is probably my first return ever.

Urban Decay (20% off): Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush (on sale 50% off as well)

Weekend plans: Meeting my Mother for breakfast on Sunday. Unsure about anything else since tomorrow is a 90% chance of rain (from the storms in Kansas not the hurricane.)

What’s the best thing about getting older?: Not feeling apologetic for who I am, what I like, or what I do.

Tammy Avatar

I am thrilled to read your comment comparing the Ciate palette to the Mario. I was thinking I’d rather have the Ciate but I don’t know anything about the quality of this brand.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

I will have the actual palette today and get it swatched. If you like the shades, it’s a much better deal than the Mario palette. In fact, many of the shades are similar anyway – with the Ciate palette having more to chose from. I’ve had 2 other Ciate palettes and 2 lipsticks – all of them were good. I plan on wearing it (at least some of the shades) over the weekend. I’ll pop back and let you know what I think.

Claire L Avatar

I have 2 Ciate palettes and love them! I have an Olivia Palermo one in Smouldering and a newer one in Fun from the Pretty, Fun and Fearless range.

kjh Avatar

Unicorn blood: saw it on a bank teller and had to ask. Did you get the liq lip or the new lipstick formula? The B customer reviews of JS’s new lipstick make it sound pretty gritty. Much as I would hate to support JS, I drop dead love that shade. Prob will have to drop it in the bag, whenever I spring for more Wayne brushes.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Kjh, I feel like there are so many beauty battles “out there”. For a while, I had unfollowed JS but I realized I was judging someone I don’t really know. I think we only see a sliver of who any celebrity or famous person is. So, I made the decision, that if he released a product that was good, I would still buy it. That works for me but I understand not everyone else. I love the shade – which is why even though I have it in the liquid matte I bought it in the satin (so I have both). The satin is a perfect execution of the shade from the matte. I’ve only worn 2 of the 6 shades I bought (and not UB yet). The glitter shade, Beauty Pageant, had texture to it but for me wasn’t uncomfortable to wear. Baby Spice, a satin, wasn’t gritty at all. I may wear UB over the next week at some point, I’ll try to remember to pop back and let you know if it had any issues or was ok.

Lea Avatar

Sol de Janeiro foot cream is amazing! I bought it in Vegas while I was there for a convention and was 100% on board when I used the cream and was able to put my shoes back on and not slip and slide everywhere. It absorbs so quickly and leaves my feet nice and soft. I haven’t used the file; I have 2 Diamoncel files that I use all the time.

Linda Avatar

In our house we call that doggie pose the cinnamon bun!

This week….

Quick story of buyer’s remorse. I bought the EL x VB Modern Mercury highlighter. It arrived. It is beautiful. I looked at the price, and put it back in the box untouched, and shipped it back to Saks. I just couldn’t go to the place of spending $70 (with tax) for a highlighter. I don’t know why it hit me that way, but it did and I couldn’t shake it, so back it went. Sure was purty, though.

Got the Anastasia Mario palette. Arrived yesterday and I tried it this morning. Seems nice. Maybe too many shimmers for my taste? Not sure yet. I will say, that with this addition, I do not need another eyeshadow from now until doomsday. Remind me. 🙂

Givenchy Rose Dentelle lipstick. Oldie but goodie. I’m back on the Givenchy lippie train. They have long been a favorite of mine, and they still do not disappoint.

Samples — Bye-Bye concealer and Anastasia Dipbrow pomade, both yet to be tried.

Linda Avatar

Forgot this part…

Weekend — Not much at all. No plans, and the bathroom isn’t finished so I can’t even put that back together.

Getting older — Great question… I wouldn’t go back to being in my 20s or 30s for anything. Well, I would if, like they say, “I knew then what I know now.” Somewhere around 50 I became fully who I am meant to be. I accept my warts, and really allow myself to play to my strengths fully. I see more dimensions and depth in the people around me too. I’m happier overall even when things aren’t great because “this too shall pass.” I shed the crap (including crap people) really quick. It’s just a settled-ness about myself, my world, and my life that feels right. I wouldn’t trade being in this place for any bit of lost youth.

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

Glad you could return the highlighter. I agree, some of the pricing is getting ridiculous.
Ah, that’s actually another reason I’m returning Mario for the Ciate I bought – basically similar shades, with Ciate having more, but also Ciate has a better mix of finishes for how I use a palette. If you keep Mario, I hope you can find a way to use it well.
I’m just getting into Givenchy lippies. I have one saved in my Sephora cart/Favorites. Are there any others you can recommend?

LindaP Avatar

Hi Michele!

Returning that highlighter was easy…yet not easy. I WANTED it so bad. But that part of me, if it feels exploited says nyet. Like many, my relationship with “value” is complicated.

Anywho, my favorite, favorite shade of all time is #103 Brun Createur. I look terrible in most nudes, and this is close to au natural as I can get. I have yet to be disappointed in a color, the wear, or the feel. I recently got the #202 Rose Dressing in a mini . and this shade is too pinky light for me. Wrong color, but that’s my fault. 🙂

Tracey E. Avatar

Hi Linda, glad you decided to return the highlighter. I have a rule of thumb that if makeup is causing me stress, I just walk away. I’ve yet to have any regrets.

LindaP Avatar

Hi Tammy — That’s a PERFECT way to put it. You put my feelings into words I did not have. The relief is palpable when those decisions are the right ones, for whatever the reasons. I don’t even have a tangible reason for returning it, just that stressed feeling. 🙂

Tammy Avatar

Haul: I got the Wayne Goss anniversary brush set and my husband offered to give it to me for my birthday! I also grabbed the Chikuhodo Z-8 cheek brush. Lancome was in gift so I grabbed LANCOME Teinte Idol Cushion foundation, Absolue lipstick in Berry Noir, and two jumbo bi-facials. While I was shopping I noticed the new Elizabeth Arden liquid lipsticks, so I picked up Fearless Red and Luscious Raspberry. I got MAC’s Selena lipstick in Dreaming of You, and am regretting not picking up the red. Everywhere I look online, it is sold out?

I want to pick up a few more items from MAC’s Star Trek collection. I was going to purchase from Nordstrom. I was wondering does anyone know if there will be anymore triple point days in 2016? I am only level one.

Weekend: Taking my husband out on a date. We’re going to an upscale restaurant for lunch and then to see Deepwater Horizon.

Best thing about getting older: I am less moody and I like it that there are no longer the responsibilities of taking care of young children. We earn more now too?

Erin Avatar

Haul: Nothing yet but I’m fixing for a big haul when the new NARS Sarah Moon collection comes out. I might pick up some skincare stuff between now and then.
Weekend Plans: Oy, I need some rest but I also need to clean, grocery shop, recoup from last weekend and then this week. 2 family members in ICU last weekend and one of them is still in the hospital and will have a lot of physical therapy coming up. Several people were out at work, leaving me to do the job of three.
Best Part of Aging: Caring a whole fuckload less about well everything.

Christine Avatar

What skincare stuff do you have your eye on?

Best wishes for your family, Erin, and hope their physical therapy goes well. I just finished doing physical therapy for the first time, and if you put in the work, I am now a HUGE believer in the power of it!

monica Avatar

Haul: Ulta: UD Midnight Cowboy (B-day present), Batiste dry shampoo
Sephora: Joise Maran duo travel argan oil, Marc Jacobs (B-day gift)

I missed out on the Smashbox primers at Ulta. By the time I remembered it was sold out lol

Weekend plans: Sister weekend! Saturday – Visiting my sister’s bakery, going to CT’s gold coast, dinner. Sunday – Farm fall festivities and visiting Mystic

What’s the best thing about getting older?: Feeling like I’m entering the best decade of my life. Generally just being happier. I feel that the older you are, the more you just let go because it really doesn’t matter in the long run

WARPAINTandUnicorns Avatar

Haul: IMATS Toronto…. my list in this Haul video I did… I wasa bad girl.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1357&v=3vwkp5nNj0o

I also didn’t get the MAC Liptensity lipsticks though even though it was 20% off….. I still wanted them though but at the end of the day I went to MUFE for 40%. 😉

Weekend plans: Thanksgiving Canada!

What’s the best thing about getting older?: I have to agree, is learning to love myself more. I’ve honestly hated everything about myself start at age 10, I’m much more forging for not being “that” society has deemed woman should be.

WARPAINTandUnicorns Avatar

They sold out of my foundation shade I was going to pick up in the stick foundation (they need lighter shades though, but I can blend with a off white cream) but I’m still happy with what I got from them.

Mon petit croissant, tu es trop mignon. 😉
My french is rough for sure. My Mom’s friend had a dog that would howl when you spoke french to it. lol

WARPAINTandUnicorns Avatar

Probably, but then again mp4 files don’t always like all older computer systems, but that what Youtube want their files to be in now. I use to upload in .mov format which had a preview tracking but the playback had some serious issues as well. >_<

I'm sorry you're having issues though, I still have not seen the perfect setting yet while working with Adobe Premier.

Youtube's recommendations on formatting if anyone interested.
https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/1722171?hl=en

kjh Avatar

Mais non, il est un grand croissant. But pets demand wee pet names, no matter their size. I could cheerfully eat him up, and love seeing him each week. Haul: got up early and ordered the metal/matte and Ciate palettes. Here I thought it would be a lip Christmas! Plans: ssdw, but forgot Mon was a day off from day job, so have to reorder my days. No biggie. Getting older: the general comfort level. You know who you are. Like it or lump it. The nostalgia and freedom to do as you please, even when it comes to returning to childhood loves.

Christine Avatar

Sometimes he seems small to me, sometimes he seems huge – is that a normal thing for perception of one’s dog? He is usually 65-70 pounds, and he’s a tall lab, so he has a lankier build and doesn’t seem as big to me as other labs… but then he is still a big dog, haha.

Ginny Avatar

HAUL: No makeup haul this week. I need to buy some clothes because last winter I got really, *really* tired of wearing the same old sweaters over and over. Of course this time of year I geek out and tend to lose my clothes budget to silly tshirts that say “Scully, it’s Me” or “Damn Fine Cup of Coffee” on them instead of actual, useful winter pieces. I do plan to go “serious” clothes shopping tomorrow, though.

WEEKEND: Aforementioned shopping as well as some pet sitting.

GETTING OLDER: Not worrying so much. I used to fret over things like if something minor went wrong at work. Now it’s like oh well, life goes on. I also used to get “fomo” badly and feel like I wasn’t “living it up” enough. Now if I don’t go to a party or on a trip I’m just like “hey, money saved.” These are facets of letting go of insecurities and being more comfortable with yourself.

Blue Avatar

Haul: Bite Thistle (finally!), Stila liquid liner

Weekend plans: weekend is my Wednesday-Thursday

What’s the best thing about getting older?: Great question. There are so many improvements, honestly. Working can really suck sometimes, but I vastly prefer it over being a student who had never had a job. It was something I was concerned would be horrible and ruin my life before I had actually done it, but after some years in the workforce I can say that being able to choose my job and be paid for my time has dramatically improved my quality of life, and helped my sense of self-worth. It was just something that I had difficulty approaching with a positive attitude because I’d spent years seeing other people in really turbulent work environments, and I had no personal experience other than being in school, which I felt I had no choice about and often disliked.

I’ve also been lucky enough to have a romantic partner throughout most of adulthood, and that’s the other game changer in terms of my overall happiness. As a teenager (and I do mean up to 19 or 20, it was a long time to feel this way) I was 110.3% confident that I was never going to be able to convince anyone to have a crush on me ever, and that I was surely doomed to die of rejection, alone with my pile of Nine Inch Nails albums, eating from a can of cold marinara sauce. Needless to say, I’m relieved that it turned out I didn’t know what I was talking about.

Christine Avatar

Yay for Thistle! Do you have any plans for your mid-week weekend, Blue?

That’s cool to hear how working as increased your sense of self-worth.

My husband was my first boyfriend, and that happened when I was 19 – I can very much relate to everything you’ve said right there on that matter!

Jennifer Avatar

Haul: MAC Dreaming of You lipstick, MAC Como La Flor lipstick, MAC Mehr lipstick, MAC Pro-longwear foundation in NC30, MAC In Extreme Dimension waterproof mascara, Too Faced La Matte lipstick in Orange is the New, and Laura Geller lipstick in Central Park Spice
Weekend Plans: family from out of town visiting this weekend so will be busy hosting them
What’s the best thing about getting older?: Having a grown up job lol (I started a new job this week and I love it!) and yeah also I agree with you Christine, the way my confidence has grown so much now that I’m in my 20s…life is good at 25 🙂

Yvette Avatar

Haul: Mac Selena collection!! Yes I got some of the collection yesterday. I got all the eyeshadows, 2 dreaming of you lipsticks, 1 como la flor lipstick, and the blush duo, the other items didn’t interest me.

Weekend plans: a friend’s bday party. After that, nothing

What’s the best thing about getting older: Seeing the fulfillment of good choices, knowing my own mind, less self doubt.

I don’t know why but I had to have the Selena makeup. Hearing how involved her family was in the collection inspired me to wait in line yesterday for 3 hours, most of it outside in the Texas heat. The lipsticks I purchased online thanks to the #MacSelena hashtag. I accidentally purchased 2 extra Selena eyeshadows from Macy’s that I hope to return. Hope everyone got what they wanted 🙂

Yvette Avatar

This is so silly but I don’t want to use the eyeshadows or blush until I receive the lipsticks which won’t be until next week, but I got to swatch Dreaming of You at Macy’s yesterday and I absolutely love it

Kiss & Make-up Avatar

Awww, look at Mellan looking all pretty with his bow.

Haul: Finally got my BaByliss Curl Secret, woot!

Weekend plans: Farewell party for a friend tomorrow and on Sunday probably just lots of gaming.

What’s the best thing about getting older?: One of the (very very very few, lol) perks is probably that I know more what the eff I’m doing 😉

Katherine T. Avatar

Yes, hahahaha! He does look like a croissant 🙂
*Haul -Ok, I had to pledge my first born, but the makeup gods granted my wishes, and I now have 2 very elusive LE products in my greedy little paws–MAC Selena shadow and Estee Lauder x Beckham Modern Mecury Highlighter! To get MAC Selena shadow, I had to buy enough from MAC to earn Devoted level to get early access, then I had to constantly refresh my computer for 7 hours ( from 5AM to 1:00 PM) and fight thru numerous computer glitches/website crashes to grab it, but it’s a purple beauty. Was the absolute worst online shopping experience ever in my life, but I mean, anything for Selena! But of course, that was absolutely nothing compared to what other people had to go thru days later. Thank goodness Modern Mercury was a little easier to get. Thanks to a tip from an angel reader, I made a quick and frantic call to my local NM and got it on pre-order before it went out of stock. It’s pretty, the product is very finely milled, and the sparkle is subtle. Also got ColourPop blush in Bardot and shadows in Seeker/Muse/Paradox/Brady/ Tang, all awesome. Got UD Vintage Nail Polish in Pallor and UD Shadow in Last Call, very pretty. And Dior Fusion Mono in Olympe (purple), which I’m testing out.
*Weekend – finishing up the last of the spring cleaning, but have made great progress, very pleased Meeting friend for lunch, get much needed haircut, run errands.
*Best thing about getting older –when I was younger, I was a lot more insecure, but as I get older, I have become much more confident, feel more comfortable in my own skin, and get a more well-rounded perspective on life. I’m going to be 50 in a few years, but I love how I can rock all these non-traditional looks ( smoky eyes, gray lipstick, purple makeup, pink eye shadow, etc ) that I didn’t have the confidence to pull off when I was younger. Do I have the flawless, wrinkle free skin of a 21 yr old to wear this stuff? No, but I try to take good care of my skin, and as for the rest, a little attitude and confidence goes a long way 🙂

Katherine T. Avatar

No kidding! At 12:30 PM, after +6 hrs of constantly refreshing the screen, I was so tired I was ready to call it quits and take a nap. Good thing I didn’t, because it went live at 1:00 PM. I would’ve been SO mad if I had missed it! At my local MAC, the SA there said they had a line out the door at 4 AM on Thurs morning (they open at 10 AM), and they sold out of $40,000 worth of Selena products in no time, and they still didn’t have enough to meet the demand.

Christine Avatar

I wonder whether MAC genuinely underestimated demand this time. I imagine it can be hard to forecast demand sometimes, due to the collaborator or what kind of buzz something gets! Like maybe they did actually forecast a high demand and produced for it… but still undershot it by a mile.

MAC does not usually restock LEs, which is why it makes me feel like they sold way, way faster than they thought.

Nancy T Avatar

Yvette, that was the most TRAGIC part of the whole debacle! That those who were obviously NOT fans of Selena or at least respectful towards her memory and her family, greedily bought up as much as they could get, not to actually use and appreciate, but to price gouge those who are true fans that are desperately trying to get at least some part of the collection! This EvilBay dirty dealing thing INFURIATES me!!! So very un-Selena like! ?

Katherine T. Avatar

Oh I believe it! And the sad thing is that I imagine there are millions of Selena fans who weren’t able to get anything from this collection, between all the computer problems, everything selling out in minutes, long lines at the stores, limited stock, and greedy re-sellers on evilbay grabbing everything in sight and charging ridiculous prices. I’m sure many Selena fans are furious, as they have lobbied MAC for years to launch this collection. And just think of all the sales MAC lost because they couldn’t meet the demand. If I were MAC, I would be making sure little elves are working 24/7 to crank out more Selena stock. I mean some of the corporate suits at MAC may not know who Selena is or don’t care, but money talks, and this collection has probably generated record sales for them. Maybe if MAC stopped cranking out new collections every 2 weeks and just focus on Selena, they could keep it stocked.

tessie84 Avatar

Haul: Maybelline Color Tattoo Concentrated Crayon in Creamy Chocolate (great for a super quick eyelook) and Maybelline Define-a-Lash mascara (great for everyday lashes). Temptation is everywhere, but, I must say, I’ve been very good! (Trying to save up for the big Sephora sale in November.)

Weekend plans: Going to a fashion event at a local art museum and cleaning

Best thing about getting older? I believe with time, we get a better understanding of what life’s priorities really are.

tessie84 Avatar

I’ve heard from other people that the wear of these is very inconsistent and depends on which color you’re using. The Creamy Chocolate color one is the only one I have purchased so far, and it’s been great! I have oily lids, and I can put it on without a primer and get crease-less wear from 8 hours. (Or, if the creases are there, they are so small that they’re imperceptible.) Application is also great because it doesn’t tug, blends easily, and since it doesn’t set immediately (like I’ve had with some of the Chanel ones), I don’t have to rush like crazy to blend it.

Have a great weekend!

Fran Avatar

Mellan looks so cute in his croissant shape!

Haul: In my ongoing project to prevent my mascara smudging, I splurged on the Hourglass Curator Lash Artist system, which uses a stainless steel rod with specially cut grooves in it to apply the mascara — no brushes or bristles, easy to get to the root of the lashes and to get to the tiny lashes in the corners of the eye. This thing really works. I really like it. It’s a bit round for my small, hooded, eyes, but still works very well. I also love that it can be sanitized between uses with alcohol, making it possible to use it on clients (as long as clients are comfortable with me coming near their eyes with a stainless steel rod — but it definitely could be really great for applying mascara to the lower lashes, at least, which is somewhat challenging with the disposable wands). The other great thing is that the primer is so awesome that I can skip my top coat. Normally I have to prime my lashes with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer or NARS Pro-prime eyeshadow primer, then apply my mascara, then apply a top coat (Clarins Double Fix mascara in clear). Otherwise my mascara smudges, unless I use a tubing mascara like blinc (which is what I do when in a hurry/on casual days). I just noticed that these products are sold out on the Hourglass web site, but Barneys (who I purchased mine from) still has them in stock. I sent an email to Hourglass asking if the products are going to be re-stocked or discontinued. The pricing on them is really crazy, but, for me, I get far and away the best results I’ve ever gotten from a mascara. If it stops the endless search for the HG mascara (admittedly conducted mainly by acquiring free deluxe samples plus purchasing a Lash Stash sample set from Sephora once a year) and can be used in my pro kit, I think it’s worth it to me.

Still having lots of fun with products I purchased last week: the MetalMatte palette (nice quality, lots of fun colors); the Giorgio Armani Eye Trio (why did I wait so long to try these liquid eyeshadows? somehow it seemed like they would end up a creasy mess on my lids, but they totally don’t, they’re easy to apply, surprisingly easy to blend, wear well, and are just gorgeous — now I want more colors: Onyx, Green Iron, Rose Ashes, Flannel); the Nudestix Magnetic Eye Color sticks (easy to apply, never crease, wear like iron, even if the color selection is limited and leans warm); and the Make Up For Ever Chromatic Mix – Oil Base pigment drops for adjusting my foundation colors. Slightly less happy with the Buxom Stone Cold Babe eyeshadow palette. The pans are tiny, and the press seems really firm, at least in the one I got, to the point where it’s hard to get the shadow onto the brush and then onto my lid, although the end result was beautiful and long-lasting. I need to play with it some more, maybe try different kinds of brushes with it.

Weekend plans: well, this is dull, but I’m in the process of putting away summer clothes/going over all my winter stuff to see if there are any gaps in my winter wardrobe that need filling in, while still trying to re-organize my room. Wish me luck for making some actual progress! I’ve made three trips to the Goodwill in the past couple of weeks (combination of clothing and household stuff), but it still feels like I’ve hardly made a dent. Well, my car is tiny, can’t fit much in it, and the Goodwill is only a half mile down the road, so there’s that. I feel like I need more room, but I’m sure I could just fill that up, too. I tend to hang on to stuff if I could possibly use it someday!

Best thing about getting older: I agree with you 100% Christine! And the nice thing about that is, no matter how old you get, that just keeps on being true! As long as you don’t buy into any stereotypes or myths about what is supposed to be appropriate for certain ages, and evaluate for yourself what changes you might want to make in the way you do things as time goes on.

Christine Avatar

I want to try the Hourglass Curator, but I’m trying to find it on a sale/discount/promo (like a gift card event), because it is pretty pricey. Happy to hear that you think it works very well so far!! How easy is it to clean?

Happy to hear that the Eye Tints work well for you, Fran! I am not a big believer in liquid eyeshadows as I tend to experience the issues you mentioned, but the Eye Tints (well, less so the Smoky ones) are quite good for me.

Fran Avatar

The pricing on it is really crazy. If I didn’t have so much difficulty with my mascara smudging, and if an Hourglass primer hadn’t helped with my troubles, I wouldn’t have sprung for it. But it really does give me the best overall results I’ve ever gotten from a mascara, so I guess I can justify keeping it. (At least Barneys has a good return policy, in case it didn’t work well for me.) Normally I use a primer, one mascara for my lower lashes and another for my upper lashes, and a top coat. So, with this system I’ll be eliminating the lower-lash mascara and the topcoat from my routine.

It’s super-easy to clean. Yesterday I wiped it off on a microfiber cloth, and everything came right off — when I wiped again with alcohol, I didn’t see anything more come off. But that did result it a bit of a mess (there was quite a bit of product on the cloth, which I had to make sure didn’t smear on anything before it dried), so today I wiped it off on a tissue first, getting rid of most of the mascara, then followed up with an alcohol-moistened microfiber cloth. Also, according to the package inserts, you can store the tool in the product jars. Since I would use the primer every day, I’m actually thinking of getting a second tool, for convenience, so I’ve got one in the primer jar and one in the mascara jar. With this kind of product (any kind of cream/liquid product, really) I like to keep separate sets of things for personal and professional use — if using the mascara on multiple people, I would need to clean the tool every time I did it into the product, something to consider, as that might not be practical — have to see if I can do two whole eyes with one dip in the pot (that does work for the primer, but I haven’t tried it for the mascara).

I am really impressed with the Eye Tints. So beautiful. I never would have been tempted to try them without your good reviews, though, since even most cream eyeshadows crease on me. The set of three is definitely a good way to try them, I’m glad it’s still available!

Fran Avatar

Christine, looking at the fine print on the return policy, I’m not sure that beauty products that have been used can be returned, so I’ve sent an email requesting clarification, will let you know when I receive a reply. Usually I’m more careful about that! I just remember being pleased with Barneys online service in the past, but I can’t remember if I’ve actually returned anything to them.

I’m happy with the system because the applicator works great for my lashes (both upper and lower) and it eliminates two steps from my routine (the top coat and the separate mascara for bottom lashes) while giving me great results. I did manage to get some clumping when I tried to really pile it on, which did not resolve as well by poking at it with the tip of the applicator as that technique worked in the Hourglass video, but a quick swipe with a clean, stiff spoolie did de-clump it.

I hope you can get a special offer or coupon on it (although then I will be jealous, lol).

Michele @Binxcat4ever Avatar

I wondered about the Hourglass system. I had read about it in an online beauty magazine and was intrigued. I went to Barney’s an saw the price. I let I couldn’t justify the cost without knowing more about it and whether it was really worth the cost. I like the idea that the applicator can be sterilized. Do you think it’s worth it for every day users or just MUAs?

Fran Avatar

I think it’s worth it only if you have a mascara problem or issue that you think the system might solve. If it still smudged on me without adding a top coat (like everything else does), I was going to return it. But my undereye area is staying smudge-free. I also find most mascara wands to be ineffective for applying mascara to my lower lashes, and keep a second mascara on hand just for that. This works great for my lower lashes as well as my uppers. Then there’s the fact that my eyes are small and hooded — it’s impossible to get all my lashes with most wands, and many wands are so large that they’re really impractical on my eyes. This makes it easy for me to get to the roots and get in the corners. It is very nice to be able to sanitize the applicator, but you have to consider if that is something you would actually want to do every day. I really wish they didn’t charge so much for it, it seems nuts. But for myself, I like it.

Alice Avatar

Haul: After the whole debacle with NYX (they aren’t shipping orders apparently, it’s been 3 weeks since I placed mine, and customer service is not responding to phone calls or emails) I re-ordered that stuff from Ulta plus a few other things. So I’m getting: NYX Jet Set and Sway suede matte lip liners, NYX Electromagnetic and Dark Nebula cosmic metals lip creams, 2 Real Techniques eye shading brushes, Real Techniques miracle sculpting sponge (for cream blushes & highlighters), an Eco Tools bamboo foundation brush, and Soap & Glory Orangeasm mini body butter.

Also Dark Cloud moondust shadow and Mildew nail polish from the UD friends & family sale.

Weekend Plans: a guy is coming to seal the cracks in our basement, and we’re getting an estimate to mudjack our garage floor and front sidewalk. More work on the bathroom. Doing some filming for my Advanced Video Production class.

What’s the best thing about getting older: People are starting to finally understand that we’re never going to have kids of our own, and the constant badgering and invasive comments/questions have curtailed quite a bit in the last couple years.

Christine Avatar

Whoa, NYX sounds like they are completely out of touch – like I consider the bar for a retailer to ship the product you ordered, but three weeks? And then no communication about it? I hope you’re able to get the order canceled/file with your credit card/bank 🙁

Happy for you that the kid-related questions are coming to an end. I’m super fortunate that my mom (who has also done a good job keeping my extended family from pestering) and my mother-in-law are very understanding about that.

Alice Avatar

Yeah I just got a notification that my order shipped (even though I emailed them THREE TIMES saying to cancel it), and then an $11.69 charge went through on my paypal with a $33.71 charge still pending (both totals are incorrect for what I ordered, my total was $32.71), so as soon as the package arrives I’m going to return it and contact paypal to dispute the charges. This entire situation is beyond ridiculous and totally disrespectful to all the customers.

Lulle Avatar

Haul: I’m anxiously waiting for the Estee Lauder x Victoria Beckham eyeshadow palette that I ordered last weekend. It’s supposed to arrive tomorrow, fingers crossed!
Weekend plans: a friend’s housewarming party, and some rest before a long week next week.
Best thing about growing older: definitely being more comfortable in my own skin, more confident, and starting to figure out how to deal with my weaknesses much better.

Nancy T Avatar

He really does look like one big croissant curled up in a ball! ?

Haul: MAC x Selena Techno Cumbia!!!! Yaaayyy!!! After many failed attempts, I nabbed it when shortly after midnight of the 3rd it went live on Nordstrom. Got it yesterday. On me, it looks like a lovely, but soft pinky- bronze toned natural cheek color. More of a contouring blush? Also bought a b/up of my HG gel liner by Essence called Midnight In Paris. If I ever get my UD online order to fully process this afternoon, then Gash and Snow eyeshadows, too.

Weekend plans: The usual grind, plus a trip up to the bigger Sephora in N. Scottsdale to see if they have the KVD Metal Matte Palette. I may call first? Idk.

What’s the best thing about getting older: Gaining clearer discernment and wisdom. And that despite, and in spite of, many extremely difficult life circumstances that have nearly leveled me: I’m still standing. I believe that God has given me power and strength far beyond what I had ever imagined myself as having within myself.

Nancy T Avatar

Haul edit to add: Got my UD order confirmed, Snow and Gash e/s’s are on their way! Plus, stopped in Albertson’s for ice cream, and hit the makeup aisle first, one last WnW Plaid To The Bone e/s trio left, bought it, a WnW eyeshadow brush and another Sinful Gel nail polish in Chromatic Fanatic, an Iridescent formula one. It looks like actual mercury!

Nicole D Avatar

HAUL (the past two weeks):
Makeup – ABH Mario palette (no regrets as it’s perfect for my needs); the Sephora Favorites “Glow for it” kit (I love each and every item).
BITE BEAUTY Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Sweet Cream.

Skin care (face): SUKIN brand: the Facial Recovery Serum, the Nutrient Rich Facial Moisturizer and the night cream. I try to use skin care products without harsh chemicals and I love this Australian brand.
“CLINIQUE even better brightening moisture mask” – I’ve heard good things about this mask and I hope it will help with a stubborn dark spot that appeared on my face at the beginning of the summer. My fair skin is prone to dark spots in general (I do not get tanned), but I haven’t got any on the face so far. I’ve tried Algenist, Dr. Jart. Ole Henriksen with no results.
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant Serum with Retinol; it’s my first P’sC product. Also got samples of the Intensive Repair Cream, the Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum, the 2% BHA Lotion and the 8% AHA Gel.

Skin care (eyes): “COCOON APOTHECARY Eyewaken” might become my HG eye cream for my very dry skin around the eyes. It’s better than the two eye creams by Consonant (Canadian brand) and I think it’s better than Clinique eye prep.

Hair: Giovanni Deep Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner (backups) + Bain de Terre Color Therapy Styling Oil (good alternative to my previous CHI Silk Infusion).

Nails: Orly 4 pc Mulholland Mini set.

WEEKEND: Study and relax + brunch with my husband tomorrow morning.

GETTING OLDER: I don’t feel the need to prove myself over and over again and I get wiser in the choices I make. I have always been a fiercely independent and a free spirit person and I find that these traits only accentuated in time.

viv Avatar

haul: sephora.com is so ultra-fast to europe.. so my parcel arrived today with the metal matte palette and a lash stash.
weekend plans: chicken soup and enjoy the autumn feeling.
last week i realised that i am finaly able to think before i open my mouth 🙂 that is a big advantage of getting older!

Mariella Avatar

Haul: Bearing in mind that I’m on a “no buy”, I’m surprised by how much I did, in fact, purchase: Kerasal foot cream (if that counts), Boots No.7 Hot Cloth Cleansing Kit, 2 muslin cloths and a facial buffer from The Body Shop; also from The Body Shop, Spa of the World Japanese Camelia Body Cream (it is LOVELY) and a sample size of Oils of Life Intensely Revitalizing Facial Oil (can’t wait to get the full bottle); from Sephora online, 2 discontinued products – #28 Mauve Shimmer jumbo shadow liner and Teint Infusion Ethereal Nautral Finish Foundation (why the are getting rid of this is beyond understanding!); from Sephora in store, the new Matte Perfection Powder Foundation and also a points perk of BITE Gazpacho. Then, at Shopper’s, I took advantage of 20% off Seniors Day to buy the new Clarins eyeshadow quad in 03/Brown, which I’m loving. With the discount and my points, I ended up spending $8 for it (most of that was tax) and the cosmetician threw in a GWP of Clarins products as well. OKAY….I think that’s all I got on my “no buy”
Weekend plans: it’s Canadian Thanksgiving so we’re having a big family get together on Monday. I’m making a gluten free pumpkin cheesecake to bring and I also bought the turkey (22 lbs), which my lovely sis in law, who is hosting, will cook (I cooked and transported one at Xmas and it made quite the mess in the back of my car!). Gym tomorrow, though (I’ve been so good lately and that sort of explains the haul – some of that was a “reward” for going to the gym almost every day)
Best thing about getting older: sharing it with the right man…I married the most right guy for me and we’re growing older together. I also love that, for the most part, I just don’t give a sh*t about a lot of really superficial and meaningless stuff!

Christine Avatar

That’s a good bit of skin/bodycare, Mariella! Were they planned purchases/replacements or just new things that caught your fancy?

Have al ovely Canadian Thanksgiving 🙂 22lbs! Whew! My mom said she has to go down on the size of the turkeys she does if it’s just her at home, but they used to always look for the 20+ lb birds!

Mariella Avatar

Nope – all new stuff. I went into the Body Shop to get the muslins and buffer and then got side-tracked by all this new (well, newer and certainly new to me) body care stuff and this facial oil, which is really nice. They’ve instituted some sort of points system too, which is always a nice extra (I think maybe they’ve had to do that to compete with B&BW, which is so much less expensive).

Kylie5 Avatar

Haul
Again some Mac Star Trek products
The nude Mac selena Lipstick and the gloss
Ysl cushion makeup, some Biotherm Face products, biotoxin serum, some urban Decay lipsticks (still have Not all of my wishlist), and some other products I cannot remember at the Moment (this Week I got 15 to 20% at a lot of Shops and bought a lot of stuff, the Glamour Magazine has a Shopping Week twice a year where you get % at a lot of Shops)

Weekend
Have to work on saturday

Best about ageing
1. I Know a lot of things which would have been very helpful When I was young (don’t Know if this is really good because I didn’t Know all the things When It would have been helpful, now it does Not help, so is it good or Not?)
2. I Know very good what I don’t want in my life, that is definitely good about ageing

Kylie5 Avatar

The Biotherm Serum-in-Oil Night is a Must have.
I use it every evening under my Night cream and it is a Wonder product.
Anyone WHO has wrinkles should try it. I have nearly no wrinkles but I had 2 Lines on my forehead one really Deep and one Not so Deep. The deep one is nearly gone and the other is gone. I could not believe it. I even saw a difference after using it one night.
So everyone should really try it. So ask for a sample. I am not working for Biotherm but it is such a good product.

Kylie5 Avatar

I have not tried it yet. But I think it is more matte. The Lancôme cushion is more hydrating I think. I bought the ysl because the lightest shade of Lancôme is too yellow for me, the ysl is lighter and has a neutral undertone. On the hand the ysl dried quickly and looked very even.

Deborah S. Avatar

Haul: I bought the BH cosmetics palette in Wild and Alluring, the BH cosmetics palette in Be by BubzBeauty, 3 lip pencils in Peachy, Rasberry and Earth. The new release of Colour Pop eye shadow and highlighter’s, the Stila Perfect Hue Perfect You palette in Medium/tan along with a Stila liquid lipstick in Amalfi. Actually, I purchased two of each of the above products as I always get everything for my daughter, also.
Weekend Plans: Finally have the garage cleaned out so we can begin on the house remodel. Yea!!
Getting Older: I am not sure if this is related to getting older or if it is indicative of what is going on in my life but while I still care about things I don’t have the fiery, got to change the world passion that I use to have. I am content to let the younger generation change the world.

Claire L Avatar

Haul: Only ordered 2 things this week, both from the Selena collection, the Selena eyeshadow and Fotos y Recardos, I know the latter didn’t get a great grade but I’m hoping it’ll be OK with primer. I hadn’t heard of Selena as I’m from the UK but when I read your post about MAC’s pre-release promo piece, I read up on her and was captivated by her story so had to get a couple of pieces.

Plans for weekend: Looking at a flat to rent and getting our little girl to settle in her bed lol. We had to take the side off her cot on Tues night as she climbed out twice. It’s been a nightmare trying to get her to settle, there is a reason sleep deprivation is used as a torture method! Tonight however hopefully we’ve turned a corner, I hope I haven’t spoken too soon! My parents came down for 3 days so that did help with taking her out in the daytime and letting us rest.

Best things about getting older: Learning to DGAF about things lol.

Christine Avatar

Here’s hoping the eyeshadow works better for you, Claire! 🙂

Best of luck with the flat you’re checking it out! I can’t imagine tending to wee ones at all. In fact, early parenthood makes me think it’s a miracle that people make it out alive enough to have a second 😉 I am exhausted from getting a few hours of sleep over the last few weeks, and I know that’s what the early years are like with kids, lol!

Anne Avatar

Haul: Oh boy I did quite a bit of damage this week after a while of no purchases. I went by Lush to get a free fresh face with my 5 empties and got the Brazened Honey mask which is my “face remodel” mask. I also picked up another tub of the Ro’s Argan Body Conditioner as moisturizing in-shower is a lot easier with my spine issues. I went by the Body Shop to inquire about if they’re getting the advent calendar stateside, and they actually had 3 of the previous years one still in the back so I got one for like 75% off as I didn’t get theirs last year. I also ordered the L’Occitane advent calendar and the Tanya Burr 12 Days of Beauty one (along with two of her new lipsticks) because I had some gift cards so I’ll be swimming in advent stuff this year which I am totally fine with.

Onto Sephora- I repurchased my FAB facial radiance scrub as I’m running out and got a pack of the Well-Kept Screen Cleansing Towelettes to try out as I’m out of screen cleaner and my computer looks icky. A few days later the Sephora Favorites Glow For It set came back in and as it’s $30 and the full-size Lancome highlighter in Glowing Lights is $30, it’s like getting everything else for free, and as I was going to buy the Lancome highlighter anyways after your stellar review, Christine, I lucked out on this set!

Weekend plans: Nada as per usual. Maybe get my mom to watch the new Ghostbusters because it’s soooo good.

What’s the best thing about getting older?: I’d say being comfortable with myself as well, though that’s been derailed quite a bit with the health issue stuff.

Christine Avatar

My friend is really getting into Lush right now! I love their Fresh Face Masks but haven’t tried much else in awhile. Their holiday/Christmas stuff always tempts me though 😉

I wish the U.S, got more advent calendars, though we starting to see more now!

Congrats on getting the Glow For It set, Anne 🙂 That kit looked great!

Anne Avatar

I haven’t used a lot of Lush stuff aside from the masks and the Ro’s Argan stuff aside from some of the bar soaps for hand soap (they last forever and some are really moisturizing, which is good if you wash your hands a lot like I do). I used to use Aqua Marina and Let The Good Times Roll for my AM face wash and PM gentle face scrub for like 4-5 years until I switched to FAB stuff though.

It seems like some of the Advent stuff is picking up here, but my guess is it will be slow to ramp up, and it will be a while before department stores do their own like Selfridges and Liberty do in the UK. Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, BG and NM could do good business with those. I also noticed the L’Occitane advent one was not only on their site but also is now on Sephora’s so that may mean more widespread visibility, not to mention the Sephora Collection one that’s out this year. Should be interesting to see.

And yes, I’m excited for the Lancome highlighter especially! I hope it comes back into stock so other people can get their hands on it.

Lea Avatar

Haul – I picked up the CdP holiday eye shadow palette, plum lip palette and loose powder on my way home; it just arrived at my local Nordstrom today and I’m very happy to have it in my greedy little hands! I am still thinking about the red lip palette; not sure it’s my tone. I got my Sephora order with the Mario palette and Sol de Janeiro body was, but I’m waffling majorly on the Mario palette. If I can’t decide without swatching myself, I may sit on it until I can see the display version; this way I can return it unused if it doesn’t suit. Then maybe someone else can have it. I’m going to pick up the Armani runway set tomorrow when I go to an event at Neiman’s.

Which leads me into my weekend plans – I’m going to a small breakfast with Armani celeb MUA Tim Quinn and have my makeup done. Then it’s all errand running and house cleaning.

The best thing about getting older? You have all the admirable answers, so I’ll give the sarcastic but true ones…the ability to afford better shoes, better jewelry and damn sure better beauty products!

Lea Avatar

I haven’t had a chance to play with it yet! It looks too pretty to mess up haphazardly. I need a plan of action. I love that the quads pop out. The case is too pretty not to keep using when the shadows run out.

Lea Avatar

I’m tapping out on shopping for a bit! I did a bit of extra damage at Armani this morning with the runway set, two him/her lip balms and the new Prima face setting spray. I also caved on the La Mer highlighter. It’s reminiscent in design of CdP’s design, but soooooo pretty. I picked up the new Sisley phyto lip twist balm and ordered 2 byTerry holiday lip balms. Sak’s site is still all wonky, so we’lol see if I get the deluxe versions for the tube size or the actual tubes. Either way it’s fine, but worst case I get the uber size for a way cheap price. I think I’m officially taking a break!

Genevieve Avatar

A good idea Mellon – have a little snooze.
Haul: Nothing really this week. I am saving up for Christmas…
Weekend Plans: Nothing in particular as Australia’s premier car race is on this weekend and both my sons and my husband will love watching it. I will probably do some shopping and laundry.
Best Thing about Getting Older: Definitely more relaxed, you see things in a greater perspective. Learning how to say no occasionally, taking time out to see and do something beautiful every week and, for me, getting the chance to love another generation – my grandchildren is fantastic.

Rachel R. Avatar

Haul: The Kat von D Metal Matte palette just arrived on my doorstep. UD Ultimate Basics was supposed to be delivered today, but it wasn’t. 🙁 Hopefully, tomorrow. UD Vice Vintage Vault Lipsticks in Smog, Roach, Plague, Frostbite, Pallor, and Asphyxia. A new Beauty Blender (I’ve only used knockoffs before, so I’m curious to see if this is as good as everyone says.) SugarPill Liquid Lip Color in Kim Chi (beautiful shade, but I have to wear it with something else, as it makes me look dead).

Weekend plans: Visiting a friend tomorrow. Other than that, just the usual housework.

What’s the best thing about getting older? Not giving a damn what anyone thinks about you. It’s so freeing.

Tamara Avatar

Haul: I used my Ulta points to get a Rusk Speed Freak hair dryer and a Naked 3 pallette. At Sephora I got an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil in blackheart/darkside. I also got a crave/venus one, but I rarely wear black eyeliner so I don’t know why I did that. A Rosette eyeshadow single from ABH, and the Mario pallette. Tarte Wing Workers Deluxe eyeliner set, Too Faced Melted Fig liquid lipstick. Weekend plans: I have an autistic adult son who lives in a group home, and I’m going to visit him tomorrow afternoon & take him some goodies. Gotta stock up! I’ve got a lot of computer assignments that I need to catch up on for work. What’s the best thing about growing older? I’ve become much more assertive. I also have a lot more makeup, lol

Christine Avatar

How is the new hair dryer? The new Dyson is tempting me, if only because it looks very different and you only hear raves… But it is so pricey, as is everything Dyson does, ha!

How was the transition for your son from home to group home? Enjoy your visit with your son! 🙂

Tamara Avatar

I love this hair dryer! It dries my hair in about two seconds and it turns out better. Right now I’m looking at the Ulta ad and I see that it went on sale Oct 2nd for $79.95, but it was $119.95 when I got it. I could have saved so much money if I had known it was going on sale!! That’s aggravating. And that Dyson looks pretty interesting! I would be tempted, too! As for my son, he’s been in his group home for six years and is doing really well there. His autism is severe and finding the right setting was tricky, but this has worked out well. We’re like a Lifetime movie, lol. On a lighter note, he lives down the street from a TJMAXX, so I’m pretty happy about that lol!

Christine Avatar

That’s really great! I know someone who is not autistic (but they do not have a firm diagnosis of what they do have, only that they lack the hand/eye coordination and skill set to manage multiple tasks, so they can’t work and don’t live on their own) but has some similarities to autism, and I know their family has considered if there are options for them to live a little more “on their own” as well.

I’m thrilled to hear it is working well for him! Thank you 😀

Tamara Avatar

If you or anyone else ever have any questions at all please let me know!!! This has been a huge journey for me and Cody, and I’m happy to share any infomation that I can!! And there will definitely be options for that family 🙂

Wednesday Avatar

Happy Friday Mellan!
Haul: just some eyelash serum.
Weekend plans: Hairball and I have a few work related road trips to make during the Sat and Sun. Thanksgiving in Canada this weekend. We won’t be doing turkey. We’re not very keen. I’m planning to make my roasted butternut squash soup with apple, bacon and maple syrup and I picked up some nice Trout for dinner Monday.
What’s the best thing about getting older?: Learning humility is equally important as confidence; that finding deeper love means allowing yourself to be vulnerable, putting aside ego and putting it out there, knowing and trusting when what is said is heartfelt it will be respected and be returned 10 fold. I think my heart feels fuller more often than it did when I was younger.

Christine Avatar

That soup sounds delicious! I am a nut for butternut squash… couldn’t resist. Tried growing it once – was hilarious – had the smallest baby butternut squash known to man. My parents had better luck this past year with theirs.

Hope you have some fun on those work-related road trips at least 😉

Nicole Avatar

Haul: Nothing this week. I’ve been so busy moving and so out of it otherwise. I’ve really been thinking about getting one of the Dolce and Gabbana cream blushes though.

Weekend plans: I’m having a garage/moving sale tomorrow and maybe Sunday if I don’t sell everything.

What’s the best thing about getting older?: Becoming more assertive. Even at 25 I’m so much more assertive than I was a few years ago and I’m loving it.

Nicole Avatar

It’s going ok! My lease is up on Wednesday and I’m so excited to have this over lol. We have sold a good amount today. There are still three pieces of furniture that I wish would sell but I doubt will, which is a bummer. I’m probably not going to have the sale tomorrow-literally all of my seats have been bought, so I’m sitting either on the floor or the stairs!

I hope your weekend is going well, Christine!

Veronica Avatar

Haul: Sephora brand “Nudist” lip pencil – which is AWESOME because it’s very hard to find nude lip pencils in pinky-beige that are cooler toned. A whole bunch of Colourpop matte lipsticks (mostly nudes) and a few shadows.

Weekend plans: Catch up on homework. Deal with some of the family drama going on right now.

What’s the best thing about getting older?: Having more money-BWAHAHAH I can’t even say that with a straight face. I’d probably have to agree on being more certain of how you are and what you believe.

Pearl Avatar

Haul:
MAC:
Mixing Medium/Eyeliner
Gleam Eyeshadow
Frisco eyeshadow (eBay, as a dupe for Selena collection Missing My Baby)
Light Festival Eyeshadow x9 palette

I tried for the Selena collection but gave up after Nordstrom, Macy’s, TheBay and MAC websites were paralyzed with all the traffic. I had gotten up earlier that morning to try and get a few shadows but wasn’t really hopeful. I started getting caught up in the frenzy of refreshing and trying on my phone and I just had to back away. I’m hoping to pick up a few shadows when they re-stock but if it gets crazy again I’ll just settle for dupes.

Weekend plans: Chores, cleaning and cooking per usual. I’m going to see my Mom on Saturday. Maybe a nice lunch out on Sunday. It’s still warm here and I’m not quite ready to hang up my sandals.

What is the best thing about getting older?: Realizing that nothing is that big of a deal, not everything is so immediate or do-or-die, and not everything is up to you. People generally don’t really care about all the things you think they would care about (clothing choices, weight, public appearance, diet, lifestyle, etc.) – they are too worried about their own lives to monitor yours.

Wajiha Avatar

Haul: Nothing well except finally getting my hands on VBxEL Modern Mercury and the eye palette earlier this week. Technically it is this week though I had been waiting for the highlighter to come in stock for a bit.
Weekend Plans: Apply for jobs and maybe catch a movie.
The Best Thing About Getting Older: Still trying to wrap my head around this one. I don’t like my 30s self as much as my 20s self.

Tracey E. Avatar

Haul: Bobbi Brown (15% off): ‘London’ City Palette, 2 long-wear liquid liners with sparkle, Your Majesty lipstick, a Retouching Wand, and a secret Xmas gift from her holiday line. MAC To Boldly Go pressed pigment. Pre-ordered (in Canada) the ELxVB Modern Mercury highlighter for a Xmas gift for a family member (a friend has it stashed away for me).

Weekend Plans: We’re receiving our firewood order on Saturday. On the mend from a cold/pneumonia/coughing fits, so catching up and organizing in general. We’re expecting a beautiful Fall weekend, so hope to enjoy that, too.

Best thing about getting older: Knowing that, on balance, things tend to work out more often than not; having greater appreciation for the history and wisdom of elders.

Happy Thanksgiving to all Canadians at home and abroad who are celebrating the harvest and the blessings of family and friends this weekend! ?? ?

Brittney Avatar

Haul: I picked up the Urban Decay Vintage lipsticks in UV-B, Pallor, Bruise, and Asphyxia. So far I’ve used Asyphixia and I love it. I also got MAC Viva Glam Ariana 2, MAC False Lashes Extreme Black, MAC Studio Fix Perfecting Powder in Light, and MAC Star Trek Pressed Pigment in Bird of Prey. I haven’t received it yet but I also just ordered 3 highlighters (Honeymoon, Over the Moon, and Perilune) and 5 eyeshadows (Sailor, Arrow, Far Side, Dance Party, and Cusp) from ColourPop.
Weekend plans: I’m actually off for once on a weekend so I’ll probably spend the weekend cleaning up my apartment and watching football, which my dog will love since I’m usually at work most of the weekend.
What’s the best thing about getting older?: I have to agree with you and a lot of other readers and say that as I’ve gotten older I definitely feel more comfortable in my skin. I’ve been horribly self conscious for as long as I can remember but now that I’ve reached my 30s I’m getting so much more comfortable with myself. I’m more content than I’ve been in a long time because of that. I’ve learned to depend on other people a little less and have definitely learned from my mistakes in many ways. There’s just a certain peace that comes with being more comfortable in your own skin.

Brittney Avatar

For college it’s definitely Alabama (Roll Tide) and for NFL I like the Steelers, although I watch the NFL more just to watch the game more so than to root for a specific team.

Nicole D Avatar

Cocoon Eyewaken is the most hydrating of all three; I have no wrinkles per se but a couple of fine lines of dehydration at the outer corner of my eyes. Well, Eyewaken moisturizes very well and “locks” the moisture under makeup. They say it helps with dark circles and puffiness.

The 100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream is good as well but it has a strong fragrance.

Char Avatar

I downloaded a $1 off coupon for Garnier micellular h2o. I used it at Walgreen’s for their bogo 50% off. Weekend: I decided to go to Starbucks and enjoy a drink and a free refill. Older: I learn something new everyday. I feel like we’re never too old to learn. I love exchanging ideas with others. It’s great to network with ppl. Love it.

Helene Avatar

Mellan. cutest croissant ever!
Haul, I really should be on a no makeup buying time this year. Some months I do good, this month started rather badly. Here goes:
From Colour Pop, eyeshadows in Brady, Tang, Telepathy. Zingara Foursome (Jinxie, Paradox, Elixir and Seeker). UltraMetallic liquid lipstick in 3-Way, UltraSatin Liquid lipstick in Calypso and Hutch
From Nyx, Wicked Lipstick in Betrayal, Power and Immortal, Butt “*Naked” Nude Makeup Palette. I dislike the name, but I wanted to try it as it might be good for travelling. I do however think the “drawer” containing the blushes, bronzer and highlighter opens very easily, could make for a real mess.
From Maybelline The Rock Nudes Eyeshadow palette, I have no clue why I thought it a good idea, but I wanted to try it out.
From UD All Nighter Setting Spray and a duo with two lip glosses in Liar and Anarchy. Liar is one of the best nude lipcolours for me, now I have both the lipstick and the gloss. Love both. Anarchy is gorgeous.
From MAC 2 lipglosses, Khaaannnn! and Warp Speed Ahead, Trophy Pearlmatte Face Powder, Prep+Prime CC creme in yellow, Neutralize and Prep+Prime CC Loose Powder in lilac, Illuminate and Oil Control Lotion.
From Verso, Super Eye Serum.
From Depend Nail Oil, grape and avocado (the third one, I think it helps) and a nailpolish in 419
A new BeautyBlender and two mini ones.
I think that was it. I really like the Prep+Prime CC products from MAC, the Oil Control Lotion seems to help me a bit with the oiliness, and it might get better with time.
Weekend plans. I’m writing this Sunday evening, I didn’t have any real plans except for throwing some stuff away, and I did. I had thought I’d take a really long walk with Stubbs the Schnauzer, but it’s been raining, and boring outside, so just normal walks.
Best thing about getting older. I really don’t know to be honest. It’s probably better than the alternative. I suppose I’m braver in a way, not so painfully shy. I also dare to be different, another word for being myself.

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